Details:

Creators:
Gopu, Vijaya ; Balaguru, Perumalsamy N.
Gopu, Vijaya ; Balaguru, Perumalsamy N. Less -
Corporate Contributors:
Louisiana Transportation Research Center
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Bents Bridge Piers Carbon Fibers Fiber Reinforced Concrete Inorganic-polymer Morganza Spillway Bridge Pile Cap Repair Pile Caps
Publication/ Report Number:
FHWA/LA.15/552
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Louisiana
Corporate Publisher:
Louisiana Transportation Research Center
Abstract:
The pile cap of an end bent of the Morganza Spillway Bridge suffered extensive damage at the girder bearing locations,

particularly on the side where the pounding of the girders by the adjacent concrete deck located on the approach side of the

bent. The primary repair of the damaged pile cap and the replacement of the bearing plates were completed by the

contractor working on the project. Structural grade high-adhesive material epoxy concrete was utilized to patch the damaged

areas of the pile cap. In similar repairs conducted earlier, the repair under the bearing plates delaminated. Therefore, the

repaired areas of the pile cap, namely the bearing plate locations, were strengthened by preventing delamination of the

repair material by confining it with high modulus carbon composite wrapping. An inorganic polymer coating that provides

UV protection and prevention of deterioration was applied to the entire pile cap surface. This coating also has self-cleaning

properties that will prevent and eliminate the growth of any mold or mildew and deposits of organic materials. The project

was conducted to demonstrate the application of high strength composites for rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure.

Overall, the project was a complete success. The systems cured within 24 hours and rain on the second day of the repair

process had no ill effects on the system. There was no distress of any kind in either the repair zone or the coating during the

entire two-year monitoring period. Because the system is inorganic, it is expected to function properly for 10 to 30 years.

This composite has shown long-term durability as the first application was 20 years ago and is still performing well with no

distress. Even debris that came through the construction expansion joint did not scratch or damage the coated surface. This

project also provided an opportunity to demonstrate the self-cleaning properties of the coating. The uncoated surface

(behind the scaffolding during the repair) was covered with mold and mildew growth, whereas the coated surface was

completely clean. Preparation of the resin and placement of the carbon reinforcement was easily carried out by students and

therefore trained personnel, such as DOTD maintenance crews, can easily use this coating and resin systems for future

applications.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
LTRC Project No. 12-3ST ; SIO No. 3000724
LTRC Project No. 12-3ST ; SIO No. 3000724 Less -
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:c8e2091ba824d0d80c4ebd99a1d7924edc3b2f3a5f3521a935552284d174b694
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/30755/dot_30755_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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